Donald "Smitty Don" Lee Smith

Donald “Smitty Don ” Lee Smith,
“POPPY”

Donald Lee Smith, age 74, of Newhope, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in his home. He was born in Nashville, Arkansas, on July 21, 1951, to Kemmel and Erma Faye Smith.

He married the love of his life, Diana McIntosh, on January 15, 1971, and together they shared 40 wonderful years before her passing on August 7, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Terry McCauley.

Don attended Newhope School until it closed during his second-grade year. He was a 1969 graduate of Dierks High School and a founding member of the Newhope Volunteer Fire Department. He worked as a lathe operator at Weyerhaeuser and retired after 39 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Newhope Free Will Baptist Church. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, cheering on the Dierks Outlaws, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Most of all, he cherished being a “Poppy” to his grandkids and great-grandkids.

Don is survived by two daughters Michelle and Shane Walston and Dana and Rick Wright. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Robin (Jasper) Fatherree, Cassi (Faith) McCauley and Laci (Raven) Wright. Other survivors include Eric, Madison and Dyllon Wright, Austin (Kenzie) Walston, and Adriana Walston. One sister, Donna (Larry) Webb; and one Brother, David (Kellie) Smith. As well as a number of great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services will be at the Newhope Freewill Baptist Church on Monday December 8, 2025 at 11am. The family will receive friends and loved ones during the visitation at 10am before the funeral services. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.